Zhugqu Wood Ear

Last updated 2026-11-08 — Zhugqu wood ear comes in several varieties, but the best is undoubtedly the one that grows on cyclobalanopsis wood. Next comes birch wood ear, followed by mixed wood ear, which is typically found on pine trees or wild cliff (ai) firewood. Cyclobalanopsis wood ear has a tender texture and an excellent flavor, while wild cliff (ai) firewood wood ear is chewier and generally preferred by younger people. After the rain clears, industrious mountain folk brave the dew to seek out nature’s bounty. With good luck, one can gather a whole basketful of wood ears in a day. Back home, the womenfolk pour the wood ears their men have collected into a large bamboo basket, remove any debris, and then dry them in the sun once it comes out, preserving them for later use. When it’s time to eat, simply soak them in boiling water, and they’ll be as fresh as just-picked. When guests come over, serve a dish of stir-fried wood ear with cured meat, or cook up a hearty soup with wood ear, white bracken, and cured meat—the rich flavors are all from nature itself.